Watch Lemongrass Essential Oil Kill Germs in 10 Seconds
If you’re doubting the antibacterial power of some essential oils, your curiosity is about to be satisfied.
Faster than other essential oils tested, lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) clearly showed incredible effectiveness! It also worked against the paramecium which started to release trichocysts in order to defend itself (and, yes, I feel sorry for the little thing).
Please watch.
Monoterpene citral, found abundantly in lemongrass oil, is believed to be the key component responsible for its antimicrobial power.
Don’t forget essential oils are extracted from the plants that they originate from, that’s why they have a natural ability to combat various health issues as well as providing wonderful therapeutic benefits.
Once extracted (either via cold-pressing or distillation), the volatile compounds keep working!
Essentially, a bottle of essential oils is what you have in your hands is literally a weapon of massive destruction.
Ok, let’s take a look at a powerful combination to get those germs in your kitchen running scared.
No need to buy chemical-laden cleaners.
We will create a simple, very effective DIY cleaner to use in your kitchen.
Here you will find some articles on the antimicrobial activity of lemongrass essential oil. Here you can read about the antibacterial activity of lemongrass oil against some selected pathogenic bacteria.
DIY Lemon-scented kitchen cleaner with lemongrass essential oil
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 lemon (or lemon essential oil)
- A few drops of lemongrass essential oil for extra antibacterial properties
Instructions:
- In a clean spray bottle, combine the distilled white vinegar and water.
- Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the mixture. If using lemon essential oil, add a few drops to the mixture instead.
- Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil for additional antibacterial benefits and a pleasant aroma.
- Close the spray bottle and shake well to ensure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
- Your DIY lemon-scented kitchen cleaner is now ready to use!
Usage:
- Use this homemade cleaner to disinfect and clean kitchen countertops, sinks, stovetops, and other surfaces.
- Simply spray the cleaner onto the surface, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Avoid using this cleaner on marble or granite surfaces, as the acidity of the vinegar may damage them over time.
This DIY cleaner is not only effective at killing germs and bacteria but also leaves your kitchen smelling fresh and citrusy 🙂
Other essential oils that are great for cleaning (you can add to your product as well)
- Tea Tree: Known for its potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It’s effective against a wide range of germs and is often used in homemade cleaning products.
- Eucalyptus: Offers strong antibacterial and antiviral qualities. It’s also a natural decongestant, making it great for sanitizing surfaces and freshening the air.
- Peppermint: Not just for its refreshing scent, peppermint oil has strong antibacterial properties. It’s also effective against some types of viruses and can deter pests.
- Lavender: Famous for its calming scent, lavender oil also possesses antibacterial properties. It’s effective for cleaning and can add a relaxing aroma to your living space.
- Thyme: Known for its powerful antibacterial and antiviral activity, thyme oil is particularly effective against a variety of pathogens, making it a strong candidate for disinfecting surfaces.
- Oregano: This oil is known for its potent antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it effective against a wide range of germs.
- Clove: Clove oil has significant antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, making it a strong choice for eliminating a variety of pathogens.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon oil is noted for its antimicrobial properties and can be particularly effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.
How to mix them for most power
When creating cleaning mixes with essential oils, it’s important to dilute them properly for safety and to avoid damaging surfaces.
Here are a few recipes incorporating lemongrass and other essential oils, ideal for various cleaning tasks around the home.
Remember, essential oils are potent, and a little goes a long way.
1. General surface cleaner
Ingredients:
- 100 ml distilled water
- 100 ml white vinegar
- 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth.
2. Bathroom tile and grout scrub
Ingredients:
- 200 ml baking soda
- 50 ml liquid castile soap
- 15 drops tea tree essential oil
- 15 drops lemongrass essential oil
Instructions: Mix the baking soda and castile soap to form a paste. Add the essential oils and mix well. Apply to tile and grout, scrub with a brush, then rinse well.
3. Refreshing floor cleaner
Ingredients:
- 500 ml hot water
- 100 ml white vinegar
- 15 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bucket. Use the solution to mop the floor, no need to rinse. Ideal for tile or linoleum floors.
4. Anti-mould and mildew spray
Ingredients:
- 200 ml distilled water
- 50 ml white vinegar
- 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray on mold and mildew-prone areas, let sit for an hour, then wipe or scrub away.
5. Kitchen degreaser
Ingredients:
- 100 ml distilled water
- 100 ml white vinegar
- 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Instructions: Combine in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray onto greasy surfaces. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
When using these recipes, always label your homemade cleaners with their ingredients and the date they were made.
Essential oils should be stored in a cool, dark place to preserve their properties.
Always do a spot test before using a new cleaner on a surface, especially if it’s delicate or prone to damage.
When using these essential oils for cleaning, it’s important to remember that they are highly concentrated and should be used in diluted form to avoid any potential damage to surfaces or adverse health effects. Always perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with the surface being cleaned.
There you have it
Essential oils can be a real gem when it comes to cleaning your home.
Just remember to use them wisely and be careful when handling them.
